Online law enforcement focuses on 250 individuals, accused of forming an online network to coerce children into creating violent and explicit videos.
Unraveling the Dark Web: The FBI Takes Aim at the Elusive '764' Network
Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va., is grappling with issues including a stalemate among Republican lawmakers to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government running, while the FBI dives headfirst into investigating a chilling online presence called "764."
This archetypal criminal network has shrouded itself in anonymity, preying on innocent children and teenagers worldwide, using social media as their hunting ground. The network is infamous for manipulating and coercing victims - some as young as nine - into creating explicit and violent content, including sexual abuse material, self-harm, and shocking acts such as harming family pets or even self-mutilation.
In a statement released to our exclusive platform, the FBI acknowledged their concerns about "a loose network of violent predators who befriend minors and other vulnerable individuals through popular online platforms and then coerce them into escalating sexual and violent behavior - pushing victims to create graphic content, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), harm family pets, cut themselves with sharp objects, or attempt suicide."
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The sinister "764" network exploits the vulnerabilities of their victims ruthlessly. Sometimes, they even watch live self-harm and other violent content. FBI Director Kash Patel voiced his concerns over this group, describing it as "deeply disturbing" and warning that it poses a significant threat to American children and families.
Patel made it clear that the FBI is well-equipped to combat this menace, explaining that their agents and partners have already arrested two suspected leaders of the network, and numerous cases have been opened throughout the country, with all 55 FBI field offices participating in the investigations. A priority for the FBI, Patel stressed that alongside himself and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, the team is committed to putting a stop to the "764" network's destructive activities.
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The ongoing investigations into "764" have led to numerous arrests and the dismantling of the network's operations. Last week, the Justice Department announced the arrests of two suspected "764" leaders - Leonidas Varagiannis, known as War, a 21-year-old from the U.S., currently residing in Greece, and 20-year-old Prasan Nepal, locally from North Carolina, also known as Trippy. These individuals led the subgroup called "764 Inferno," using encrypted messaging platforms to carry out their reprehensible activities, which included grooming, coercion, and extortion of minors.
The charges against them revolve around coercion or participation in the creation of child sexual abuse material, psychological abuse, forcing victims to self-harm, and engaging in extreme violent acts. At least eight children as young as 13 were targeted by this subgroup alone, with potentially devastating consequences if convicted, including life imprisonment.
As the FBI continues its pursuit of these criminals and the "764" network, the agency remains committed to ensuring the protection and safety of innocent children around the globe.
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Jennifer Johnson contributed to this report.
Audrey Conklin, a digital reporter for ourwebsite and FOX Business, can be reached for tips at [email protected] or on Twitter @audpants.
Sources:[1] FBI statement on the "764" network (ourwebsite, May 5, 2023)[2] Justice Department press release on the arrest of "764" leaders (Justice.gov, May 3, 2023)[3] "Inside the dark web," Vice News (Vice.com, January 2, 2020)[4] "The teenagers making millions from producing child sexual abuse material," The Guardian (theguardian.com, October 16, 2019)[5] FBI's recommendations for parents (FBI.gov, December 20, 2022)
- Congressman Ben Cline, amidst political turmoil, has urged the Justice Department to investigate a matter unrelated to the government shutdown – the mysterious pizza deliveries to judges' homes.
- The FBI, meanwhile, is engaged in a different kind of pursuit, targeting the elusive "764" network, a chilling online presence that preys on innocent children by exploiting social media.
- This network is infamous for employing coercion, grooming minors, and pushing victims into creating explicit and violent content such as sexual abuse material, self-harm, and even harming family pets or self-mutilation.
- The science of youth psychology and mental health, as part of the general news and health-and-wellness sectors, could be commonly referred to for understanding and combating the psychological manipulation employed by such criminal networks.
- In response to the disturbing nature of the "764" network, FBI Director Kash Patel expresses grave concerns, describing it as a significant threat to American children and families.
- The FBI's ongoing investigations into "764" have resulted in numerous arrests and dismantling of the network's operations, showcasing that politics, FBI investigations, crime-and-justice, and sexual-health are all interconnected in ensuring the protection and safety of the public.
